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Dismissal Meeting Regarding Dugger Marshal Cancelled

(DUGGER) - A public meeting slated for Wednesday, regarding the possible dismissal of Town Marshal David Heaton, has been canceled.

The session will be rescheduled, though Dugger Town Council President Richard Nielson said that's not likely to happen until at least February.

Nielson said the meeting was canceled because of a scheduling conflict which would prevent holding Wednesday's 6 p.m. executive session followed by the 7 p.m. public meeting at the Dugger Community Center.

An entirely new Dugger Town Council moved to fire Heaton during its first regular session. Nielson cited an alleged neglect of duty Monday before public outcry and the threat of lawsuits tabled the action.

Terri Heaton alleged the attempted firing stems from a personal vendetta Nielson has against Dave Heaton dating back to their days at the Indiana Police Academy.

Nielson declines to comment on any specifics regarding Heaton's termination on the advice of city attorney Douglas Followell.

Heaton's family and supporters have taken the battle online. Heaton's supporters have created a website on Facebook and filmed the town meeting for a Youtube video, intending to drum up citizen support. Heaton's son Brock filmed the meeting. Heaton's daughter, Jody Eslinger, created a Facebook group called "Help Save Dugger Dave."

She urged posters to keep the conversation civilized, avoiding profanity, slanders and slurs.

She is hoping the town board will see and hear the voices of the people and cast their votes accordingly. She says the town doesn't want her father fired.

There are currently more than 150 marshal supporters.

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